Kevin Purdy

Got a product or service to sell? If you're not looking for a total design and setup package, but just want to get selling, Ars Technica walks through the setup of a PayPal-based site for a small business.

As Jacqui Cheng notes, PayPal won't provide you with search-friendly, clean-looking design and expertly managed inventory system, but can take the grunt work out of simple cart-based, fixed-price commerce with credit cards. It need not be a whole side business you're setting up—even having a whole bunch of goods around your house to pass off might make it worth setting up a quick web site with a bit more cachet than eBay or Craigslist. The security and credit card processing is handled by PayPal, while you're in charge of explaining why someone would buy from you.

Hit the link for the very helpful run-through. Got an equally easy system for an e-commerce site? If your job doesn't involve sending out endless amounts of email about it, tell us in the comments.